La Traila Barbecue photo
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Miami’s relationship with barbecue has always been a combination of high hopes and quick closings. However, one of the few major success stories from the pandemic era is finally returning to the city. And this one’s got some true Texan flair.
On Wednesday, April 15, La Traila Barbecue will officially fire up the pits at its new South Miami home at 5840 SW 71st St. It became so popular during the pandemic that it won New Times‘ Best Barbecue in 2021.
La Traila Barbecue photo
A Pandemic Success Story Returns
Austin-born pitmaster Mel Rodriguez is back at the helm, this time partnering with the Redemption Hospitality team to bring his smoked meats to a new neighborhood. La Traila first blew up in 2020 as a first-come, first-served pandemic pop-up that eventually moved to a brick-and-mortar spot in Miami Lakes.
After a brief hiatus, Rodriguez is heading south and leaning even harder into his “Tejano” roots, aiming to provide a version of Texas-style grit that is usually missing from the South Miami suburbs.
Fans can expect a kitchen that is anchored by two massive M&M BBQ Company pits that handle the heavy lifting.
La Traila Barbecue photo
The Breakfast Taco Problem
The menu covers the basics, like authentic Texan brisket, spare ribs, and pulled pork. But it also gets into the “Off the Block” items like a “Smoke Ring Scrap Burger” made from the trimmings of the daily brisket haul, and a beef cheek barbacoa that skips the usual liquid smoke shortcuts for actual pit time.
The most practical addition to the new location is the morning program. Starting at 9 a.m. daily, La Traila will serve Texas-style breakfast tacos.
In a city where breakfast tacos are almost nonexistent, he’s taking a cue from his Austin roots and bringing them to the Magic City. Rodriguez is using house-made flour tortillas stuffed with smoked meats, eggs, and crispy potatoes.
La Traila Barbecue photo
The new space is designed for 160 people, blending a Texas-industrial aesthetic with an indoor-outdoor layout. They have also added a full bar, and you’ll also find the Mexican Martini on the drink list, an Austin legend that’s served “up” with a kick of olive juice.
For the weekend crowd, the restaurant will drop a late-night menu that runs until they hit the “sold out” sign, which, if the Miami Lakes days are any indication, happens faster than most people expect.
La Traila Barbecue. 5840 SW 71st St., South Miami; latraila-bbq.com. Opening April 15.
